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January 2012

January 29, 2012

+ In the Love of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

In the mid-1990’s St. Gregory’s went on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and one of our stops was the Capernaum, which is called in Hebrew, Kafar Nahum― the village of Nahum. (Nahum is also the name of one of the Old Testament prophets.)

Capernaum was the home of St. Peter’s mother-in-law, and Jesus and his disciples made their headquarters there. We saw the foundations of her house, preserved under a magnificent church.

We also saw the ruins of the fourth century White Synagogue, so-called because it was built with white limestone blocks from quarries several miles away. And beneath the ruins of the White Synagogue, we could see the foundations of the first-century synagogue where this morning’s Gospel took place. Unlike the White Synagogue, the synagogue Jesus entered was built with Capernaum’s indigenous black volcanic stone.

So Jesus enters this synagogue on the Sabbath, and he is invited to teach. And they were astounded at his teaching, because “he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”

Scribes were teachers of the law, and like rabbis today, they never taught on their own authority; instead, they cited other scribes― just as today rabbis cite other rabbis to support their teaching. But Jesus speaks as one having authority, and the readers of Mark’s Gospel know where Jesus’ authority comes from― he is the Beloved Son empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Suddenly a man with an unclean spirit cries out. Notice that this man wasn’t a stranger who entered the synagogue― he was one of them, and had been there all along.

There’s a post going around Facebook these days with a quote from Stephen King, the famous writer of horror stories: “Monsters are real. Ghosts are real, too. They live inside us, and sometimes they win.”

The monster― the unclean spirit― in this man was winning, and so he cries out “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?”

The answer to the unclean spirit’s question is “Yes.” Jesus was empowered by the Holy Spirit to liberate and save us from, as our Baptism service puts it, “Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God” (The Book of Common Prayer, page 302).

And now, in this morning’s Gospel, Jesus shows his authority to teach by showing his power to liberate and save this man from the unclean spirit― the monster― who was living inside him.

Fortunately, we rarely if ever encounter this kind of unclean spirit, this kind of monster. But there may be lesser monsters lurking within us, as we see in this morning’s reading from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. But first, a little background.

In the ancient world, almost all the meat that was available in restaurants and markets had previously been sacrificed to idols in the temples. What’s more, only the wealthy― the 1% of the ancient world (!)― could afford to eat meat in their homes, while the only time the 99% ever got to eat meat was during pagan worship services when the meat was sacrificed to idols.

So imagine the situation at St. Paul’s Church in Corinth. A handful of parishioners were wealthy and ate meat regularly. Other parishioners were Jews, and the second of their Ten Commandments forbade idol worship. And the newest parishioners were poor converts from paganism, whose only association with meat was in pagan sacrifices to idols.

So Paul is writing to the “know-it-all” monsters living in some of his parishioners and who think that the other parishioners should just get over their superstitions and qualms about eating meat. And so Paul writes:

Now as a matter of fact, Paul agrees with the puffed-up “know-it-alls” theologically:

“Hence, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that ‘no idol in the world really exists,’ and that ‘there is no God but one.’ (And here we hear echoes of the Shema, the Jewish creed, “Here O Israel, the Lord your God is one.”) Indeed, even though there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth— as in fact there are many gods and many lords— yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.” (And this reminds us of the Nicene Creed, in which we say of Jesus Christ that “through him all things were made.”)

But although Paul agrees with the know-it-alls theologically, he disagrees with them pastorally because the puffed-up monsters within them aren’t acting with love:

“It is not everyone, however, who has this knowledge. Since some have become so accustomed to idols until now, they still think of the food they eat as food offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. ‘Food will not bring us close to God.’ We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if others see you, who possess knowledge, eating in the temple of an idol, might they not, since their conscience is weak, be encouraged to the point of eating food sacrificed to idols?”

And now Paul shows the fundamental reason why love must come before everything else in the life of a congregation:

“So by your knowledge those weak believers”― the literal translation is “weak brother or sister― “for whom Christ died are destroyed. But when you thus sin against [your brothers and sisters], and wound their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of their falling, I will never eat meat, so that I may not cause one of them to fall.”

St. Gregory’s and every Congregation and every Christian Community is founded on this great spiritual truth: that each one of us is a brother or sister for whom Christ died.

Let us pray:

“Lord Jesus, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit, that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your name. Amen” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 101).

January 24, 2012

The 59th Annual Meeting of St. Gregory's Episcopal Churchwill be this Sunday, January 29, 2012, beginning with the Nine O'Clock Service, for the purpose of reviewing the Spiritual and Temporal Condition of the Parish, and for the election of Wardens, Vestry, Diocesan Convention and Deanery Chapter Delegates, and members of the Parish Nominating Committee.

Continuing Vestry Resolution Concerning the Annual Meeting

"The Rector shall publish the voter eligibility requirements and qualifications for election of Wardens and Vestrymen in the Newsletter, stating that nominations will be accepted from the floor at the Annual Meeting under the following conditions:

"(a) The Rector, as Chairman, shall determine the eligibility of any nominees from the floor, as outlined in the Constitution at the time of the nomination.

"(b) The nominee shall indicate his willingness to serve if elected at the time of the nomination, if present, or express such intent in a previously written statement, if not present— said statement to be presented to the Chairman at the time of the nomination.

"General Qualifications: Communicants in good standing: faithful in corporate worship and in working, praying, and giving for the spread of the Kingdom of God; 17 years old and a voting member of the parish for one year.

"Voter Eligibility: Baptized persons age 16 or older; who regularly attend the Public Services of the Church in this Parish; are recognized as members by the Rector and at least one of the Wardens; whose names appear on the Treasurer's books as contributors for at least six months prior to the Annual Meeting, it being understood that the pledge or obligation for such contributions shall have been incurred prior to the said six months; and declare their willingness to conform to the Doctrine, Discipline, and Worship of the Church."

The Parish Nominating Committee will submit the following slate for election:

For one-year terms as Wardens: Art Bielski and Catherine Martin.

For three-year terms on the Vestry: Michele Appelbaum to succeed Al Bazzoni, Ron Falbe to succeed Jeff Singleton, Jim Swager to succeed Paula Hamilton, Cherie Thompson to succeed Ray Bukszar; Al Bazzoni for a two-year term to complete Lisa Halpin's term, and Howard Hush for a one-year term to complete Donna Shelton's term..

For two-year terms on the Standing Parish Nomination Committee: Caroline DiNardo to succeed Bonnie Travis and Woody Lovacheff to succeed John Craig.

Two Delegates to the Diocesan Convention and Deanery Chapter meetings are elected directly at the Annual Meeting. I have received Candidate Forms from Ingrid Roberts.

Position descriptions are posted on the Bulletin Board next to the Rector's Office.

THE EASEL-R―EPISCOPAL SPIRITUAL LIFE RENEWAL―SPIRITUAL LIFE SURVEY IS UNDERWAY!

If you have already taken your Spiritual Life Survey, THANK YOU! I won't know unless you tell me because it's anonymous and I'll only get reports on how many have taken it, not who has taken it.

If you haven't taken it, please receive this as a reminder about how much I hope you and each adult in your household will take it, because the greater the participation, the more we will learn about the ways St. Gregory's can help you grow spiritually.

On Sunday, I gave out 8 paper copies of the Survey; if you would prefer this way of taking the Survey, please let me know. There are also some paper copies available in the Parish Office.

And here is an encouragement from our Bishop:

A NEW COFFEE HOUR HOST SIGN UP SHEET. . .

. . . returns to the bulletin board opposite the Parish Office this Sunday, so please sign up to host once or twice after the Nine O'Clock Service. The new sign-up sheet will go through April 29. Anne Clark

Manna preorders will be available for pick up on Sunday. Order forms for next month and cash and carry gift cards will be available as well.

David Weasley of THE NIGHT MINISTRYwas a great hit as a preacher, and at the Adult Forum. And, thanks to a generous Christmas contribution to the Rector's Discretionary Fund, he returned to Chicago with a $1,000 check for that ministry.

David also left us the DVD about The Night Ministry, so let me know if you'd like to see it. Eventually I'll give it to Parish Librarian Sue Koy for cataloguing in the Sally Craig Memorial Library.

BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!

After listening to David at the Adult Forum, Gail Bozzano, Melly Peterson, and Peggi Adams decided to do something more, and here is their announcement:

"Bring your new or gently used socks to the box in Founder's Hall to give to the homeless via The Night Ministry. Practical socks, fun socks, kids socks, holiday socks, any kind of socks. This is what they need. Also deodorant, if you have any to donate. Let's do it! "

OUR TURN AT THE COMMUNITY MEALS PROGRAM IS COMING UP

Sunday, February 5th, is our turn to cook and serve lunch at the Christ Church, Waukegan, Community Meals Program -Soup Kitchen.

We are in need of volunteers to help us with this important outreach ministry.

If you are not able to commit the afternoon (12 noon - 4 pm), please contribute baked dessert items which are greatly appreciated by our guests.

If you have any questions, please contact Barb Schaper or Bill and Janet Foltz.

BOOK CLUB NEWS

Join the book club for the next meeting at 7 o'clock in the library on February 15th to discuss The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot.

Henrietta Lacks, known to scientists as HeLa, was a poor black tobacco farmer whose cells—taken without her knowledge in 1951—became one of the most important tools in medicine, vital for developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, and in vitro fertilization. Henrietta's cells have been bought and sold by the billions, yet she remains virtually unknown, and her family can't afford health insurance.

Dates and books for March through June will be selected on this night. Bring your calendars and your suggestions!

TROOP SUPPORT MINISTRY NEWS

The 38th Troop Package Event will be held on March 6th from 7-9 p.m. in Founders' Hall.

Set up will begin at 4 o'clock and packaging will begin at 7.

We have several new individuals and units to support. One unit is 600 strong. The Chaplain reports that they don't have much at their PX and it is only open a few hours weekly. Any support we can offer will be greatly appreciated.

The soldier who gave us this information requested that any boxes that might be sent his way to go to the help the Chaplain. Our boxes will have a St. Patrick's Day theme and we hope to ship 150 packages.

The postage rate has just increased to $11.35 per box. If you would like to contribute towards the cost of postage or the items for the boxes, please write a check to St. Gregory's Church with "Troop Support" in the memo line.

Besides the usual socks, snacks, and hygiene items that we always need, in these cold months we like to include packages of hand or foot warmers.

As this Newsletter goes to print, the link to the Spiritual Life Survey is expected any time. I will send it to our parishioners on our eBlast list as soon as the information is available.

Meredith Potter has graciously agreed to help parishioners who do not have ready access to the Internet so they may also participate.

As I mentioned in last week's Newsletter, your spiritual growth is of central importance to me as your Rector and to St. Gregory's as your parish.

Whether you're just starting to explore the Christian faith, or a seasoned Christian or feeling a bit stalled or dissatisfied with your spiritual journey, please take this survey and help us know what you need to take the next step in that journey.

Five things about this survey:

1. It's completely anonymous so you can be open and honest with your feedback

2. It's comprehensive and thought-provoking

3. You should set aside 35-40 minutes to take it

4. It's extremely important. The findings from this survey― which we will only receive for St. Gregory's as a whole in composite form and not from any of you individually― will shape our ecisions about how to create the best possible programs and strategies to serve you better on your spiritual journey.

5. We want to hear from ALL of you. Whether you worship at St. Gregory's every week or only a few times a year, please take the survey and encourage all of your St. Gregory's friends to take it, too.

THE PARISH TITHE (10%) HAS BEEN RESTORED!

As announced last Sunday in the Vestry Report by Ray Bukszar, our Preliminary Budget has restored a full Parish Tithe. This means that our Missions Board will be able once again to respond to the many opportunities we have to help people beyond our four walls in this continued time of financial stress, especially among our poorest citizens in this country and the poorest of the poor around the globe.

But wait! There's more: THE NIGHT MINISTRYis one of our Missions Board ministries, providing outreach services and more than 50 shelter beds to run-away and homeless youth in Chicago― who numbered 15,580 during the last school year according to the Chicago Public Schools district.

Our guest preacher and Adult Forum speaker will be the Rev. David Weasley, the Community and Congregational Relations Coordinator at The Night Ministry since September of 2010. An ordained American Baptist pastor, David serves on the board of the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, the national Baptist LGBTQ organization. He lives with his partner and about a dozen others in a co-op in Hyde Park. David graduate from Oberlin College and Chicago Theological Seminary.

You can see a segment by CBS local news aired on December 13 last year that featured The Night Ministry's work in Chicago by clicking here.

But wait! There's more: we received this letter from Friends of Open House, another Missions Board ministry located in the Holy Land, which parishioners visited during our pilgrimage in the 1990s:

"I want to express our sincere appreciation for your 2011 gift of $500. . . . Without generous partners like you, Open House in Ramle could not succeed in its efforts to serve the local Arab and Jewish communities. The "head start" nursery school for Arab toddlers and the joint activities for Jews and Arabs rely on our worldwide network of caring friends. We are deeply grateful that you are part of that network, and we invite you to enlist others who share your commitment to justice and reconciliation in Israel/Palestine. Shalom, Salaam, Diane Hassin."

YOUTH GROUP REMINDERS FROM BRET CHANDLER!

The Sr. Lock in will not be this Friday.

Both the Sr. High and the Middle School will be meeting this Sunday for Youth Group―

The Middle School will meet from 5-6:30 and the Sr. High from 7-8:30. Hope to see you all there!

WELCOME OUR NEW ASSISTANT BISHOP!

The Right Rev. C. Christopher Epting is the retired bishop of the Diocese of Iowa, and he served for nine years as the Presiding Bishop's deputy for ecumenical and interreligious relations.

Bishop Epting was elected bishop of the Diocese of Iowa in 1988, following 16 years as a parish priest in the Diocese of Central Florida.

During his time in Iowa, Bishop Epting focused on the ministry of all the baptized, the renewal of the diaconate, spiritual formation and ecumenical relations both locally and nationally.

He was also a leader in the state Council of Churches and chaired the Episcopal Church's writing team for "Called to Common Mission," outlining the full communion relationship between the Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America which began in 2001.

Bishop Epting will also be the celebrant for our Waukegan Deanery's Confirmation Service, which we will host on Saturday, April 14, at 11:00 am.

CONFIRMATION FOR ADULTS

Would any of you like to learn about the Christian Faith as the Episcopal Church has received it, and perhaps be confirmed or received into this branch of Christ's One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church? Please let me know. Several parishioners have already indicated their interest.

GIVE THE GIFT OF WARMTH

Please remember that we are still collecting hats, mittens and scarves, and accepting cash or checks to support our Diocesan Deacons' project to protect Chicago's needy from the winter's cold. Make checkspayable to St. Gregory's Church and noted "Gift of Warmth." Thank you! Deacon Dennis Lietz

Beginning Saturday, January 21, all parishioners 18 years and older will have the opportunity to take a look at where we are on our several Christian journeys by taking a Spiritual Life Survey.

There are five things you need to know about this survey:

1. It's completely anonymous so you can be open and honest with your feedback

2. It's comprehensive and thought-provoking

3. You should set aside 35-40 minutes to take it

4. It's extremely important. The findings from this survey― which we will only receive for St. Gregory's as a whole in composite form and not from any of you individually― will shape our decisions about how to create the best possible programs and strategies to serve you better on your spiritual journey.

5. We want to hear from ALL of you. Whether you worship at St. Gregory's every week or only a few times a year, please take the survey and encourage all of your St. Gregory's friends to take it, too.

The Spiritual Life Survey is the first step in St. Gregory's participation in the EASEL-R Program― the Episcopal Spiritual Life Renewal Program.

I am particularly excited because a dozen years ago the Vestry adopted this Vision Statement: "to build a community of God's love where spiritual journeys are discovered and nurtured."

In 2012 we will begin to realize that vision and grow together spiritually through this challenging and life-giving experience. Stay tuned for the login information so you can take the survey.

LAKE COUNTY UNITED'S 7TH ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIFE INSTITUTE will be held on Sunday, January 15, beginning at 2:00 pm with the Community Meal at Christ Episcopal Church, followed by panel and small group discussions on Economic Inequality & Democracy. There are two articles to read in advance and you will find them on the table opposite the Parish Office.

To RSVP and get the two articles, please contact Meredith Potter at her home or Matt McDermott at 773-206-8292.

CONGRATULATIONS CORNER

Great Grandson Westley Jack Potter was born on January 10, at 12:58 pm Colorado time, 21 inches long and 8 lbs. 9 oz. Westley is Meredith's son Charlie's older son Eric's and his wife Alechia's first child. (A genealogical quiz will follow in next week's Newsletter.)

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS

If you contributed to our Special Christmas Flowers, there are some Christmas Cacti and Red, White, and Pink Poinsettias in Founders Hall awaiting your living and dining rooms and kitchens

CONFIRMATION FOR ADULTS

Bret and I launched our Confirmation Class for Youth this past Monday with an impressive group of Confirmands: Kate Baddeley, Ashley and Hannah Benson, Jacob Hamilton, Brian Hill, Myra Peterson, and Emily Zint.

Are there any of you who would like to learn about the Christian Faith as the Episcopal Church has received it, or who are thinking of being Confirmed or received into this branch of Christ's One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church? Please let me know.

Now that winter snows and cold are threatening to make their late arrival, please remember that we are still collecting hats, mittens and scarves, even though the mitten tree is long gone from Founder's Hall.

We will also accept money donations, and these donations may be placed in the alms basin, mailed in, or given to Dennis personally at the Church and checks made payable to St. Gregory's and noted "Gift of Warmth."

Thank you! Deacon Dennis Lietz

REMINDER ABOUT OFFERING ENVELOPES

Please use only current year Envelopes to assure accurate contributions are recorded. Your 2012 Envelopes are available on the hallway table across from Bret's office. Please return unwanted Envelopes to the Treasurer for recycling.

January 08, 2012

+ In the Love of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Please turn in your pew Bibles to Genesis, chapter 1, verse 1.

“In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep”― meaning, the waters― “while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters.”

Notice right away that water is the first element of creation and it’s mentioned twice.

Now skip down to verse 6 and read through verse 10:

“And God said, ‘Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.’ So God made the dome and separated the waters that were under the dome from the waters that were above the dome. And it was so. God called the dome Sky. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day. And God said, ‘Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.’ And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.”

Again, notice how prominent water is― dry land only comes on the third day of creation! So think of what a powerful symbol water is for Baptism as a sign of new beginnings and new creation.

Now let’s go back up to the second verse and the phrase “wind of God.” Do you see the footnote? It tells us that the phrase could also be translated “the spirit of God.” And that in fact has been the traditional way it’s been translated.

For example, here’s a verse from a Jewish interpretation of this verse:

“And the Spirit of God brooded over the waters like a dove which hovers over her young without touching them” (Targum of B. Hag. 15a).

What does the phrase “the Spirit of God brooded over the waters like a dove” remind you of?

{{Congregational Response}}

[this morning’s Gospel, which describes “the Spirit descending like a dove on him”]

Now please turn in your pew Bibles to Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 10, verses 1 to 4:

“I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud”― what does this refer to?

{{Congregational Response}}

[After the Exodus from Egypt God led the people of Israel through the wilderness with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night],

“and all passed through the sea”― what does this refer to?

{{Congregational Response}}

[when Moses led the people of Israel across the Red Sea to escape the Egyptians],

“and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea”― so Paul understands the Exodus to be a kind of baptism―

“and all ate the same spiritual food”― what does this refer to?

{{Congregational Response}}

[manna, the mysterious food God provided for the people of Israel in the wilderness], “and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ.” ― what does this refer to?

{{Congregational Response}}

[when the people of Israel were thirsty for their wandering in the desert and complained to Moses, Moses struck a rock to get water for the people of Israel in the wilderness].

For Paul, Jesus is the rock from which refreshing and renewal water comes forth.

Now please put the pew Bibles back and turn in the Book of Common Prayer to page 306 in the service of Holy Baptism just before the blessing of the water:

“We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water. Over it the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation. Through it you led the children of Israel out of their bondage in Egypt into the land of promise. In it your Son Jesus received the baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us, through his death and resurrection, from the bondage of sin into everlasting life.

“We thank you, Father, for the water of Baptism. In it we are buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit.”

Finally, take up your bulletin and turn to our Gospel this morning. If you were here just a few weeks ago on the Second Sunday of Advent this may have sounded very familiar, because we read this passage right up to the point where John the baptizer says: “I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

But we didn’t see Jesus because it was the Season of Advent! Now it’s Epiphany, which means “appearance,” and so in today’s reading Jesus makes his appearance:

“In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

How many of you have read about Easel-R in the Newsletter over the last two weeks?

{{Congregational Response}}

Do you remember what Easel-R stands for?

{{Congregational Response}}

[Episcopal Spiritual Life Renewal]

A lot of impressive research has gone into the Episcopal Spiritual Life Renewal project, and among its findings is that spiritual growth begins with three basic beliefs: first, that salvation is a gift from God; second, that God is a Trinity of Persons― Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; and third, that God is personally active in our lives. And so I find it fascinating that Mark’s Gospel begins by enacting these three basic beliefs.

From the very beginning of Mark’s Gospel it is clear that everything is a gift from God and which God initiates, from the call of John the baptizer in the wilderness to the tearing apart of heaven and the descent of the Spirit. Baptism itself is a sign that salvation comes as a gift because no one can baptize himself or herself. Even Jesus must be baptized by someone else. And infant baptism is the ultimate sign of salvation by grace― for infants have obviously done nothing to earn their salvation; it is received as a gift from their parents who themselves have received God’s gift of salvation.

And also here at the beginning of Mark’s Gospel we are introduced to the God who is Spirit, descending from heaven; Father, speaking from heaven; and Jesus, the beloved Son.

And finally, this is a personal God, active in John the baptizer, active in the people coming out to be baptized, active in Jesus, and, as we will rediscover in all kinds of new ways this year as we participate in the Episcopal Spiritual Life Renewal Project, active in us.

This morning’s Gospel and the three basic beliefs that are identified in the Easel-R as catalysts of spiritual growth are all summed up in this passage from Titus (3:4-7) which was one of our Christmas readings:

“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly”― notice that the Spirit is described as being poured out just as water is poured out― “through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

#1 THE EPISCOPAL SPIRITUAL LIFE RENEWAL INITIATIVE [ESLR]is a diocesan project developed by the Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest in collaboration with Willow Creek Church (how's that for an exciting pairing!).

I first learned about the ESLR [maybe we could pronounce this as "Easel-R"]when Jay Sidebotham, Holy Spirit's rector, sent me a letter "to share experiences we've had as a parish over the last two years, and to invite you to join with other parishes in the diocese in the coming months in a process of exploration and spiritual growth. The process involves a survey assessing spiritual vitality and subsequent workshops to reflect on the survey results. A number of parishes in our diocese have committed to this process in hopes of bringing renewed life to our parishes and to our diocese, [and] helping our churches to be agents of growth and service in the world. The process has brought spiritual growth to our congregation. It has brought spiritual growth to my life as well. It has been a gift."

I sent this invitation and other information about the Easel-R [ESLR] to the November Vestry meeting, which unanimously endorsed our participation in this exciting and spiritually challenging program.

The survey will be available from Saturday, January 21, through February 12. More details later!

Between now and then, please add this prayer to your daily devotions: "Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with us as we consider the renewal and mission of our congregation. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us by your Holy Spirit to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it, and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

#2 THE MEETING OF THE STANDING PARISH NOMINATING COMMITTEEwill begin at 1:30 PM in the Rector's Office with elected members Bonnie Travis, John Craig, Jon Dutcher, and Mary Curtis; and two retiring Vestry members, Paula Hamilton and Ray Bukszar. They will choose the nominees to present to the Annual Meeting for the following positions. Please let any of them know the persons you would like to see nominated (including yourself):

For one-year terms as Wardens: 2 to be elected (Art Bielski and Catherine Martin, eligible for 3 more one-year terms). For three-year terms on the Vestry: 4 to succeed Al Bazzoni (eligible for a three-year term in his own right), Jeff Singleton, Paula Hamilton, and Ray Bukszar; 1 for a two-year term to complete Lisa Halpin's term, and 1 for a one-year term to complete Donna Shelton's term.

For two-year terms on the Standing Parish Nomination Committee: 2 to succeed Bonnie Travis and John Craig.

We also directly elect two Delegates to Diocesan Convention and Deanery Chapter meetings for one-year terms. If you would like to represent our Parish at the November 16-17, 2012, Diocesan Convention, please fill out a Candidate Form, available on the table across from the Parish Office, by Sunday, January 22.

Complete descriptions of these positions are posted outside my Office:

The 59th Annual Meeting of St. Gregory's Episcopal Churchwill be Sunday, January 29, 2012, beginning with the Nine O' Clock Service, for the purpose of reviewing the Spiritual and Temporal Condition of the Parish, and for the election of Wardens, Vestry, Diocesan Convention and Deanery Chapter Delegates, and members of the Parish Nominating Committee.

#3 ST. GREGORY'S YOUTH GROUP RESUMES!

Happy New Year to all!

After having a break from Youth Group for a few weeks, we will resume this coming Sunday with a joint Youth Group, including all ages from grades 6 to 12.

We will have dinner, fellowship, and games. Hope to see you there to start off the new year! Bret

#4 JOIN THE BOOK CLUBfor the next meeting on January 18th at 7 o'clock in the library to discuss When Everything Changed by Gail Collins. Enjoy a cup of tea, treats, and engaging conversation.

The selection for February 15th is The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. Cissy

We will accept money donations as well, either through the alms basins, the mail, or personally to Deacon Dennis Lietz.

Please make out your check to St. Gregory's and note "Gift of Warmth."

Thank you! Deacon Dennis Lietz

MORE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT PICTURES― from Shari Benson

JUST IN! LAKE COUNTY UNITED'S 7TH ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIFE INSTITUTE will be held on Sunday, January 15, beginning at 2:00 pm with the Community Meal at Christ Episcopal Church, followed by panel and small group discussions on Economic Inequality & Democracy. There are two articles to read in advance. To RSVP and get the two articles, please contact Meredith Potter or Matt McDermott at 773-206-8292.

EVEN MORE JUST IN FROM DORTHEA!OFFERTORY ENVELOPES: Please use only current year Envelopes to assure accurate contributions are recorded. Your 2012 Envelopes are available on the hallway table across from Bret's office. Please return unwanted Envelopes to the Treasurer for recycling. Thank you!

January 01, 2012

+ In the Love of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Today we are celebrating the Feast of the Holy Name, so it was a bit of an Emmanuel Moment this past week when I read one of the vignettes from Gail Collins’ remarkable book, When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of American Women from 1960 to the Present.

Gail Collins tells the story of a teacher, Jo Meyer Maasberg, who taught in a small Wyoming school. For six years she taught her daughter’s class. Here’s what her daughter Jennifer said about the experience:

“It was funny because [my mom] gave me this big speech . . . how I had to show her respect and call her Mrs. Maasberg and, you know, all on the same playing field with the other kids. But I couldn’t call her Mrs. Maasberg. I called her Mom. So my whole class called her Mom.”

When I read this I thought of a similar experience that happened with me and my son, James. Almost from the time James could call me “Dad” he called me “Bill.” That was fine with me. From my standpoint, it was natural because I always encouraged people to call me “Bill” rather than “Father Bill” or “Father Roberts.”

But some people, including Ingrid’s dad, were incensed that James didn’t call me “Dad” or by some other “fatherly” title. Eventually James explained why he called me “Bill”: “Everyone else calls you ‘Father,’ so I wanted to call you by your first name.”

A second Emmanuel Moment arrived via an op-ed piece in this past Tuesday’s New York Times, titled “Want a New You? Change Your Name.” The author is a singer and writer whose name is Alina Simone. Here’s an excerpt from her op-ed:

“In June, my band performed at a party at a Lower East Side boutique that specialized in wool ankle cuffs and sheer tunics. A few weeks later, we were playing in Brooklyn when a man approached me and said, ‘I just thought you might like to know that a friend I brought to your last show changed her name to Alina Simone.’

“I laughed and said something like, ‘Well, I hope that’s working out for her,’ but the news was a strange revelation.

“Twelve years ago, I changed my own name to Alina Simone. (I used to be Alina Vilenkin, until I swapped my father’s last name for my mother’s.) So I know that whenever someone changes her name, a body gets stuffed in the closet. When I think back to my old self, I think of an entirely different person, not altogether likable, whose singular distinguishing characteristic was the chronic inability to follow through with anything she said she would do. I picked up and abandoned projects with great regularity back then, careful to always avoid the frightening terrain where my true ambitions lay.

Then I changed my name and it changed me. In my new incarnation as Alina Simone, I had no reputation, no history of unmet expectations, nothing to lose. I started singing; I formed a band. I poured my best self into my new name.”

This story, too, triggered a memory from my own life. When I was 10 my family moved from Evanston to Kenilworth. And I decided to change the name I was called, from my middle name to my first name. I, too, wanted to leave behind the “old me” and re-invent myself, and the name change helped me do it.

Final Emmanuel Moment: As I was thinking about this sermon I recalled a wonderful reflection on prayer that the late Dutch Roman Catholic priest and writer, Henri Nouwen, had written years ago, in 1980, when I was a young priest.

“A few months ago I went to visit a hermit-monk to ask him for his spiritual counsel. This hermit lives a very simple life of manual work, long fasts, and unceasing prayer. His clear, shining eyes radiate the living Christ, and his lips speak only about the abundant goodness of God. I told him my troubles and struggles, my sins and my guilt. He listened attentively and responded with words of comfort and consolation. But I kept prodding him, saying: ‘Yes, but . . . What about this . . . and this . . . and this . . . Don’t you think that’s pretty bad?’ Then he looked at me critically and said: ‘It might be worse than you say and it probably is, but remember, the worst has already happened in Jesus Christ. . . . And when you make his Name into your dwelling place, your burden will be light and your yoke easy.’”

May we who have been baptized into the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, make Jesus’ Name our dwelling place in this New Year.